Largest Motor Yacht In Australasia Launched

The largest motor yacht of its kind to be built
in Australasia slipped into the waters of the upper
Waitemata harbour this morning.

The Aria, a 156 foot
luxury superyacht, built for American owner Robert E.
Milhous, was launched following a champagne breakfast for
international guests at the Sensation Yachts boatyard in
Henderson.

The multi-million
dollar superyacht has taken over two years to complete,
involved more than 400 staff and taken an estimated 480,000
man hours to build.

Sensation Yachts Managing Director
Ivan Erceg says the completion of Aria is a huge
accomplishment for all the staff.

“The launch of Aria this
morning was an important event for Sensation Yachts as this
is the largest motor yacht we have ever built.

“Designed
and built to the owner’s specific needs and requests, Aria
was a challenge for everyone involved and the results speak
for themselves. For the owners, Aria is more than a boat, it
is a piece of art, a display piece, which will be seen
around the world.”

The interior of the boat, designed by
Don Starkey, includes the use of rare yellow cirrus timber
and burled eucalyptus throughout. The owner’s interest in
the mechanics of the boat is reflected in the mounting of
the two engines which are display pieces in themselves,
making extensive use of stainless steel piping.

Other
features include a glass dining table on the upper deck
which acts as a skylight to the deck below as well as
individually themed bedrooms based on famous Aria.

Bob and Gail Milhous
intend to sail the boat all around the world but it is
likely to visit New Zealand ports first before heading off
to other South Pacific destinations. The boat will have a
full time crew of up to 12.

Following the launch of Aria
this morning, the boat will be moored at Viaduct Harbour for
a six week period while it undergoes sea trials and a final
interior fit out.

Sensation Yachts has been building
boats for almost 20 years and recently built Mari Cha III, a
44 metre sailing ketch that was awarded the prestigious
International Super Yacht Design Award in 1998.

The
company has experienced exceptional growth since Ivan
Erceg’s investment in the company three years ago and now
employs over 400 staff from an initial base of 100.

The
company has a number of superyacht orders on its books
including two more large motor yachts (45-51m) currently
under construction.

The Aria is the largest motor yacht of its kind
to be built in Australasia. Comprising an aluminium hull and
built to the exacting specifications of the owner, the
superyacht is designed to cruise the world in full air
conditioned comfort.

Aria is complete with all the
electronic equipment you would expect from a boat of this
caliber including GPS, colour plotter and sounder, radar,
Gyro, autopilot, weather fax and NAVTEC receiver. Other
equipment includes a full business centre of computer,
phone, fax, modem, photocopier and laser printer. Satellite
TV, VHS and audio systems are available in every
bedroom.

With interior design by Don Starkey, the theme
and style of the boat is one of contemporary elegance, based
on the individual tastes of the owners. One of the main
features of Aria is the use of rare yellow cirrus timber and
eucalyptus throughout the boat.

Stepping on board Aria to
the main deck, guests enter an extensive foyer area of glass
and cirrus timber with marble flooring. A central stairwell
leads downstairs to the well appointed accommodation
designed for the enjoyment of up to eight guests.

A
choice of four guest bedrooms, each with their own ensuite,
have individualised themes reflecting the boat’s name.
Guests have access to a mini bar, TV, video and audio
systems from their room.

Crew quarters forward of the
quest accommodation includes a fully equipped crew kitchen,
commercial laundry, walk in chiller, crew accommodation and
living area. A multi-system TV, video monitoring security
system, full audio system and a separate crew staircase to
the upper levels complete the area.

Back up on the main
deck, the large dining room provides for formal entertaining
and a separate salon offers relaxed surroundings. Two
hundred DVD’s are available on demand through the
exceptional entertainment system which, amongst other
things, includes a pop up plasma screen TV.

The boat is
serviced by a fully equipped commercial galley to create
world class culinary fare and supported by pantry and
kitchen areas on the other levels for ease of
service.

The owner’s large stateroom at the front of
the main deck is tastefully decorated to their customised
specifications. The area features a full business centre,
lobby, dressing area, large amounts of storage and two
bathrooms. Expansive windows have been designed to ensure
the owners can enjoy the views from their bed should they
wish. Luxurious bathroom facilities include a large spa bath
and shower with two marble top vanities complemented by
unique golden honey onyx marble throughout.

The upper
deck features an outdoor seating area including a unique
glass table that acts as a skylight through to the main deck
below. Through self opening doors into the salon, guests can
enjoy the room’s full multimedia capabilities from the
comfort of well-appointed seating featuring NZ and
Australian leathers.

For those feeling a little more
energetic, a gym complete with separate bathroom and
dressing areas is available. If necessary, the equipment can
be stored discretely away to transform the gym into another
guest cabin.

The captain’s cabin, radio room and bathroom
facilities are also located on this deck just behind the
bridge area which utilises remote keypad technology and
includes two ‘wing stations’ port and starboard for easy
maneuvering.

The sun deck features a large outdoor
barbecue, bar and seating area as well as a multi-jet spa
pool that overlooks the decks below. Guests have a range of
outdoor teak furniture, chairs and chaise lounge from which
to enjoy the summer sun.

The Aria houses two 5.5 metre
tenders and water toys which are transported in and out of
the lazarette by crane for quests’ enjoyment.

BACKGROUND TO SENSATION NEW ZEALAND

For almost
20 years, Sensation Yachts has been building a reputation
for quality and cost effectiveness. Three years ago Ivan
Erceg became a full partner in Sensation New Zealand and
went on to purchase the company in full. At the time, the
company was finishing Mari Cha III, a magnificent ketch that
was awarded the prestigious International Super Yacht Design
Award in 1998.

Ivan Erceg has invested significant
resources into Sensation Yachts to make it a world class
facility. The factory has been constantly upgraded, adjacent
property purchased and two new boat building bays
constructed.

Staff numbers have increased dramatically
from 100 to more than 400 employees in the last few years to
cope with the dramatic increase in boat orders. The company
now has a number of superyacht orders on its books with two
more large motor yachts (45-51m) currently under
construction.

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